On September 15, 2026, India defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in the second Twenty20 International at Delhi thanks to a bowling effort by Nitish Reddy. The all-rounder won Player of the Match after taking three wickets for twenty-four runs in three overs. Reddy limited Afghanistan to 159 for 8 by dismissing Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, and Rashid Khan.
Aakash Chopra, a cricket pundit, lauded Nitish Reddy contribution in particular and emphasized India’s bowling control throughout the game. According to Chopra, the fifth bowler’s performance and ability to take wickets when needed were India’s top concerns going into the series. India’s confidence in Nitish Reddy ability to bowl the last over of Afghanistan’s innings demonstrated that his role went beyond his three-over period.
“What was India’s problem? India’s problem was what the fifth bowler would do, how he would bowl, and whether he would be able to pick up wickets. I am quite happy with the way things went. Jasprit Bumrah conceded 25 runs in four overs and picked up a wicket. He is gold. He bowls the same way whenever you bowl him. Arshdeep Singh has had an excellent series – 35 runs in four overs and two wickets,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
Nitish Reddy has raised your expectations a little.
“Axar Patel – 28 runs in four overs. Once again, he bowled like a bank. Ravi Bishnoi conceded 32 runs and picked up a wicket. Nitish Reddy – 24 runs in three overs and three wickets. You even got him to bowl the 20th over. For the question of who after Hardik Pandya, he is putting his hat into the ring,” he added.
Sanju Samson scored 57 in 14.5 overs, and Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan also scored half-centuries to help India win easily. India now leads the three-match series 2-0 after the victory. On Thursday, September 17, the unimportant third Twenty20 International will take place at the same location.
